Penderyn Peated

Penderyn are the clever Welsh whisky wizards who are really going up in my estimation. I really am impressed and they are another example of a non Scottish European single malt that is able to run with the pack. Obviously Scotland has the quantity as well as the quality. Wales might only have 1 distillery but they are certainly packing a punch.

The colour is pale straw with a real sparkle. The nose has a faint wisp of smoke and iodine.

In the glass there is an oily viscosity that you often associate with older malts. You get vanilla, citrus, honey, slightly floral and then gentle smoke.

The finish has a twist of cooling peppermint as the smoke gently fades.

This is not an Islay and doesn't try to be. Normally when you see the word "peated" you think Ardbeg, Lagavulin, and the big flavours of Islay.

This is a different beast. It is aged in ex-bourbon barrels first and then ex-peated casks. I have it on extremely good authority that these are Buffalo Trace followed by Laphroaig quarter casks. The fact that the spirit is not actually peated but the peat influence is through barrel finish adds a lovely dimension and subtly. Out of the whole range, this is my favourite expression.

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